Coney Island Hot Dog Sauce
A savory, tangy hot dog sauce with rich tomato flavor, seasoned with chili powder, mustard, Worcestershire, and sweetened with brown sugar. Perfect for topping hot dogs or burgers, this hearty sauce appeals to fans of classic American street foods and smoky, flavorful condiments.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Melt butter in a skillet, then add chopped onion and celery, and cook slowly for 10 minutes.
- Add hamburger, lemon juice, chili powder, mustard, tomato sauce, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and brown sugar to the skillet.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a splash of hot sauce or smoked paprika. If you’re out of celery, finely diced bell peppers can serve as a great substitute. For a leaner option, you can replace some of the hamburger with turkey or a plant-based meat alternative. This sauce can also be made ahead of time to enhance the flavors, similar to how you would prepare Bill Webber'S Baked Beans.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the hot dog sauce generously over grilled hot dogs in buns, garnished with diced onions or shredded cheese. It pairs beautifully with sides like coleslaw or potato salad, and is perfect for summer cookouts. Consider serving it alongside American recipes like Cornfield Hash for a complete meal.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover Coney Island hot dog sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. To reheat, place it in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. You can also microwave it in a covered bowl, stirring halfway through to ensure even heating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Coney Island Hot Dog Sauce contains roughly 396 calories, with 15g protein, 41g carbohydrates, and 19g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (30% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1557mg per serving (68% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this hot dog sauce ahead of time?
Absolutely! This sauce can be made a day or two in advance. In fact, letting it sit allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Just store it in the fridge, and reheat when ready to serve.
What can I use as a substitute for tomato sauce?
You can use crushed tomatoes or tomato puree as a substitute for tomato sauce. If you prefer a sweeter taste, consider adding a bit more brown sugar to balance the acidity.
Is this sauce spicy?
The sauce has a mild kick from the chili powder, but it's not overly spicy. If you enjoy heat, feel free to add cayenne pepper or your favorite hot sauce to increase the spice level.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).